Man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide for crash that killed his 20-year-old son and his son's girlfriend

TROY -- Philip Dobert pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide for crashing into a pole on Route 40 while intoxicated, taking the life of his 20-year-old son and his son's girlfriend, also 20. Judge Andrew Ceresia said the plea came instead of a suppression hearing that was scheduled for Friday but said this would resolve the matter before having to head to trial. Ceresia made sure the families of the victims were apprised of the situation and that they were comfortable with the outcome. "We discussed this with the family," said Assistant District Attorney Keith Muse. "Obviously, they would like to see him spend life in prison... He is pleading to the top count of the indictment. In light of that, they are in agreement." Dobert now faces up to 7 to 21 years in jail. His sentencing is scheduled for April 20. Dobert, 51, was driving Route 40 through the village when he lost control of his Pontiac Firebird and careened off the south shoulder, striking a utility pole. Excessive speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash, police said. Dobert's son, Kyle Dobert, was the front passenger and was pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend, 20-year-old Alisha Schoonmaker, was ejected from teh back seat and was also pronounced dead at the scene. Dobert was previously convicted of driving while ability impaired for a 1999 incident in the city of Troy, and in 2002 was convicted of DWI in Schaghticoke, said State Police Sgt. William Conboy. His blood alcohol content during Friday's accident was not immediately available Sunday, Conboy said.